Portsmouth 13th July - 13th September
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Number of results: 171
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Circus
Portsmouth
IT'S BACK & IT'S BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER!!! THE 'WORLD'S MOST EXCITING CIRCUS IS BACK' FOR 2026!!!
CIRCUS EXTREME PRESENTS: "ROCK IT OUT" – A GROUNDBREAKING NEW SHOW FUSING LIVE ROCK MUSIC AND DEATH-DEFYING STUNTS!
Get ready for the ultimate…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment from ‘Jim Splice and The Main Brace’, a four piece band playing songs of the sea. Included in their play list will be some popular songs, including our own ‘Shieldhall…
Special Events
New Forest
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend will return on Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026. This must-see family spectacular brings some of the world's most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu.
This event is a must for all supercar enthusiasts, providing an…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Japanese on Sunday 19 July 2026.
Set in the parkland of the National Motor Museum, the rally is open to all ages and models of Japanese cars and motorcycles and is always a highlight of the events…
Arts
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday December 3
Doors open at 6:30pm | Official opening at 7:00pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an evening of drinks and canapes to celebrate the anniversary of the Trust's partnership with official Artist in Residence, Alex McGarry!
The…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Join us as BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Beaulieu, 1-3 May 2026.
Kick off your gardening year in style by joining us for this much-loved show, filled with an abundance of gardening expertise, inspiration and…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Looking for fun things to do with kids this Easter holiday in Hampshire? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Southampton, located in the stunning 440-acre Itchen Valley Country Park, for an active outdoor adventure designed to keep your whole…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Audi on Saturday 18 July 2026.
All Audi owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum grounds, for a superb day for enthusiasts and owners.
Special Events
Basingstole
We invite you to join us on Saturday 2nd May for Oakley Hall's first ever Bottomless Afternoon Tea experience! Whether you're celebrating a birthday, Hen Do, job promotion or just wanting to get together with your friends – what better way is there…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ashley Heath, Ringwood
Looking for fun things to do this Easter holiday in Dorset? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Moors Valley, located in the stunning 1,000-acre country park not far from Bournemouth. It's the perfect destination for an active outdoor adventure…
Childrens Events
Basingstoke
Our Spring Scavenger Hunt is back for 2026! We invite you and your little ones to adventure into the Oakley Hall gardens & woodlands to try and tick everything off your nature scavenger list and find all our hidden Easter eggs. When each child…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Explore the science of sound by investigating how different instruments create vibrations and how those vibrations travel through air, water and solid materials, just like they do at sea.
Families will experiment with a range of instruments to see,…
Sporting Event
Portsmouth
SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Festival
HAVENSTREET
Head to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Autumn beer festival for a celebration of beer and steam.
Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth.
You’ll have the opportunity to try…
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
Treat your Papa to a relaxing paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River this Father's Day with New Forest Activities. Enjoy paddling together through the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve as a family, ending at the Master Builder's pub on the riverside…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.
All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
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